Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am somewhat new to the hobby and currently own a hypo and a Brazilian rainbow. I was wondering if anyone could explain the diffrence between the denominations we see, and more specifically the difference between Hypo Melanistic, Salmon or Super Salmon. Any info would be greatly apreciated.

Mixed with opinion(on my part.)Hypomelanism is a universal genetic anomoly,(like albinism,anerythrism,axanthism,etc...)it is typified primarily by a dramatic reduction in visible melanin,from what is considered to be "normal for typical appearence."a subsequent effect of this reduction is an overall "brighter,cleaner,appearence" the genetic mode of transmission is usually "simple recessive",meaning that the visual effect is not seen in heterozygous gene carriers,only in the homozygous state.(like albinism.) The Salmon,(and "Orange-tail" ) mutation that we see in boa constrictors,and,commonly refer to as "hypo",is altogether different.it has proven to be a dominant trait,(not co-dominant,as many people continue to believe.)and,in my opinion,is unique to boa constrictors,(I know of no parallel example commonly seen in other species?)a "super-salmon" is simply the homozygous,or,dominant expression of the trait,(produced by breeding two single gene carriers,or,two double gene carriers of the trait.)The trait is believed to have originated from Central American B.c.imperator,from the Panama area,though similar genetic anomolies have also been isolated from other areas of Central America,as well....I hope this helps,and,welcome to "Morphsville" (*lol*)

Just want to comment as a graduating Zoologist student that Rain Shadow's post is awesome in the use of genetics terms. It is true that NONE of the traits which I am aware of are "Co-dominant" and co-dom trait is a genetic term for a "equal blending" between the parent traits, like if your cross a red flower with a white flower and you get a pink flower then you have some evidence of co-dominance... I just wanted to say how impressed i was by Rainshadows genetic knowledge... it’s always great to see a fellow genetic freak at work!

Loved it!

Rose Hipskind
-----

www.srsnakes.com